On the beaches of the province of Alicante, several loggerhead turtle eggs have been laid in recent weeks. (Caretta caretta), turning the area into a reference for the study and conservation of this threatened speciesThese episodes, which were not common until a few years ago, are marking a New scenario for coastal biodiversity and citizen involvement.
The detection of new nests has mobilized scientific teams, volunteers and emergency services. to launch the protection protocol of the species, ensuring the safety of both eggs and adult turtles during the nesting process. This phenomenon reflects the adaptation of loggerhead turtles to environmental changes and a growing social awareness.
Exceptional sunset on Arenales del Sol beach (Elche)
In the early hours of a recent Friday, a loggerhead turtle was spotted on Arenales del Sol beach in Elche by several young people.. After contacting the 112 emergency service, the emergency was immediately activated. intervention protocol and marine wildlife specialists arrived. Upon examining the animal with an ultrasound, it was discovered that it still had more eggs inside, opening the possibility of returning soon for new productions.
The turtle laid 79 eggs in total. Seventy of them were carefully moved to a artificial nest on Carabassà beach, where they will remain under close surveillance in a protected, fenced area to ensure proper incubation conditions. The remaining nine were transferred to the incubators at the Oceanogrà fic in Valencia, where they will receive specialized care until birth.
To anticipate potential new spawnings, technicians installed a satellite tracking device on the turtle, allowing us to track their movements and respond quickly if they return to the Elche coast. This practice is now common in scientific monitoring of sea turtles along the Mediterranean coast.
Citizen collaboration and coastal surveillance campaigns
The role of citizens is crucial in detecting loggerhead turtle nests.The authorities and organizations involved emphasize the importance of not disturbing the animals: if you find a turtle or see its tracks in the sand, you should avoid lights, noise, and approaching them. Always call 112 to activate the protocol and protect both the turtle and its eggs.
In the Valencian Community, organizations such as the NGO Xaloc and the Generalitat (Catalan government) have developed awareness and surveillance campaigns (#TortugaAlerta2025), which include organizing volunteers and setting up guard camps in the most at-risk areas. Thanks to these efforts, nest monitoring and protection have improved significantly.
New hatchings in Dénia: the case of the turtle Diana
Dénia beach has been the scene of several nesting events this season, probably from the same female named 'Diana'.In recent days, volunteers from various NGOs and experts from universities and city councils detected a new nest, the trace of which confirmed a recent laying. Seventy eggs were moved to a safer, protected area to increase their viability, moving them away from the coastline.
The remaining eggs were sent to the Oceanogrà fic for controlled incubation. Thanks to the coordinated work between public administration, universities and volunteers, it is increasingly common for these episodes to end successfully and with greater survival for the offspring.
Recommendations for action when finding nests or specimens
Authorities and specialists remind us of the importance of following clear guidelines when discovering sea turtles.:
- Immediately call 112 to start the protocol.
- Maintain a minimum safety distance of 30 meters from the animal and its possible nest.
- Do not touch, disturb, or shine flashlights or torches on the specimen.
- Do not step on the tracks the turtle leaves in the sand.
These simple gestures contribute significantly to the conservation of the species and the success of laying eggs.
Causes of the increase in spawning and conservation context
The increase in loggerhead turtle nesting events on the western Mediterranean coast is associated with climate change and the transformation of traditional habitats.Factors such as rising sea temperatures and the loss of beaches in the easternmost areas have encouraged the species to seek out new nesting sites. Until two decades ago, these cases were rare in the Spanish coast, but now a steady, growing trend is observed.
Good conservation practices, protocols for transferring to artificial nests, and coordination between institutions are proving crucial in maximizing the number of surviving hatchlings and, ultimately, strengthening the recovery of the loggerhead turtle in the Spanish Mediterranean.
Thanks to the joint efforts of citizens, scientists, and government agencies, sites like the beaches of Elche and Dénia are confirming their importance as new key breeding areas for one of Europe's most iconic and vulnerable sea turtles.
